Meet Our Staff
A great program starts with great staff. Here at Talisman Academy, we introduce:
Linda Tatsapaugh, Director
MS in Child and Youth Care Administration, Nova SE University;
BA in Religion, Davidson College
Linda has directed Talisman programs since 2001. Prior to that, she worked at Stone Mountain School from its inception in 1991 as a counselor, program director, and admissions director. She is an instructor in first aid, CPR, life-guarding, and crisis management, and is a tree-climbing facilitator. She hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1990, is chairperson of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps, and is the mother of an 8-year-old-son, Gable.
Barry Beavers, Clinical Director
BA & Masters in Social Work, Indiana University Diplomate in Clinical Social Work Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor Barry has worked as a counselor for over 35 years, focusing mostly on work with children and their families in a variety of settings. From private practice to community mental health, from clinic work to school work to hospital work, Barry has specialized in helping youth with behavioral issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, and school-based behavioral issues, as well as learning disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Barry has developed a wealth of youth programming, including intensive outpatient programs, day treatment programs, and various outpatient and residential groups. Most recently, Barry has been involved in agency administration, supervision of clinical staff, oversight of program operations, and crisis management.
Tracy Hopkins, Admissions Director – Talisman Academy
BS, Recreation Management, Southern Illinois University
Tracy grew up in Southern Illinois, where she first began working with individuals with special needs and serving as an outdoor educator. For over 10 years, her professional experience has provided the opportunity to work as a wilderness therapy instructor, program manager, operations director, and admissions counselor. Tracy believes that each role has cultivated a deep appreciation and dedication for working with youth and striving to help them recognize their fullest potential. When not at work, Tracy loves spending time with her husband and son, scrapbooking, and taking zumba classes.
Ben Green, Academic Director
M.Ed., Divergent Learning, Columbia College BSIS, Science and Education, USC-Columbia
Ben Green has always been an educator at heart. He originally studied psychology and sociology at East Carolina University. Realizing that teaching was his true gift, he returned to school in 1994, completing a degree in science education at USC, and later, a masters degree in divergent learning at Columbia College. Ben has taught in several settings, including Glenforest School, a private, non-profit school for children with learning disabilities, as well as a psychiatric residential facility for girls. Ben is problem solver and loves a challenge with hobbies that include hiking, kayaking, and playing guitar. Mostly he loves spending time with his family; his wonderful and beautiful wife, Sue, his daughter and heart, Grace, and his two awesome sons Dakota and Sage. Born in the mountains of NC, he is excited to return to the Blue Ridge as part of the Talisman Family.
Robiyn Mims, Director of Family Services
MS, Clinical & School Psychology; BS, Psychology
Robiyn began working with at-risk youth many, many years ago in a small non-profit group while earning her B.A. in psychology. This experience led her to western North Carolina where she worked as a direct care staff for several years at Stone Mountain School during the school year and the director of Talisman Summer Camp in the summer. She continued her education at the graduate level in both Clinical and School Psychology. Robiyn spent a year working in public schools as a provisional School Psychologist for the state of North Carolina before returning to the AEG family as Program Director and then Director of Family Services for a girls boarding school in North Carolina. Her passion for Neuro-developmental psychology fuels her desire to once again continue her education as she plans to pursue her PhD in this exciting field. When not working with her students and families, Robiyn enjoys the company of her 2 boxers as well as snowboarding and traveling with her husband, Eddie.